We visit the annual event of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. The LAPD shows us how the world's largest police fleet helps catch bad guys. Jeff talks to the Red Bull Air Racer, Pete McLeod about life as a high-adrenalin, competitive flyer.

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Season 2 Episode 12

We visit the annual event of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. The LAPD shows us how the world's largest police fleet helps catch bad guys. Jeff talks to the Red Bull Air Racer, Pete McLeod about life as a high-adrenalin, competitive flyer.

She may have been born without arms, but this extraordinary pilot has managed to earn her wings by flying with her feet - Meet Jessica Cox, the world's first licensed armless pilot who has spent her whole life proving that her disability hasn't limited her. Then stay tuned as we meet Dez Lightbody, a flight instructor and proud owner of the very first airplane in history designed specifically for aerobatic maneuvers - the Pitts Special.

Does it sometimes feel like your airplane has a mind of its own? Well get ready to be prepared for the unpredictable as we visit Stallion 51 for an introduction to their Unusual Attitude & Upset Recovery Program. Using an L-39 Turbojet we demonstrate the educational procedures designed to help give you a head start when your aircraft takes a turn for the worst.

We catch up with the Rusty Pilots Initiative as they reignite every pilot's fire in their attempts to help former flyers with their return back into the sky. Then we meet a pilot whose passion has never lessened thanks to the versatility of his dynamic Aviat Husky utility aircraft designed to sharpen the skills you may have lost by offering numerous capabilities, achieved mostly by your sense of adventure.

Although Space is often associated with the future, reaching new heights, and the unknown, NASA can also be traced back to very rich historical roots established more than 50 years ago. As the ultimate form of ground breaking flight, throughout history NASA has conducted countless 'out-of-this-world' research and exceeded the limits of our planet to make the unknown universe more familiar and easily accessible.

We listen in on some aerial dialogue between air traffic control and our resident pilot, Kurtis, as he navigates through both the departure and arrival procedures within an airport and its airspace as well as consult with the voice in the tower to explore the aspects of flight from the point of view of Ground Control and learn more about the complexities of life as a Ground Controller.

With our noteworthy feature on WWII in Season 5, this time around, we thought we'd give a nod to Aviation during The Great War! The importance of this period in flight is mainly due to it being the first time aircraft were used on a large scale...And let's not forget about the Ace fighter pilots who became popular heroes as pioneer Aviators who invented air-to-air combat.

Introduction to the Very Light Jet category of aircraft - The Eclipse 550, the new production twin-engine jet from Eclipse Aerospace. With the ability to fly at altitudes up to 41,000 feet and a max cruise of 430 mph, all while consuming a mere 59 gallons of fuel per hour, the Eclipse 550 is the most efficient twin-engine jet on the planet. Then we visit Embry Riddle for a lesson in why turning back for the runway is commonly fatal in the event of engine failure while Anthony considers his options in a forced landing simulation with an unexpected turn on take-off.

We focus on the flying unit known as Tuskegee Airmen, who served as the first African American flying unit to see action in World War II and meet the Tuskegee Airmen Glider Demo Team who fly TG-7A motorgliders which are basically a combination of wings from the SGS 1-36, the tail of the SGS 2-32, and a Lycoming O-235-L2C engine on the nose.

What is skytyping? See it accomplished with five aircraft flying in impressive formation, emitting biodegradable vapor puffs in a dot matrix pattern to create what is known as the original billboard…in the sky. Afterward we feature the Sonex Jet which started as a pet project of founder John Monett who’s always wanted a personal jet, and what he developed was a tiny plane with a big impact!

We explore the vision that gave rise to the 'everyman's airplane' and examine the revolution in Piper designs from its traditional structure to modern construction. So watch the Cub ROAR and the Piper soar as we celebrate what is perhaps one of the most recognized airplanes in general aviation. Taking a comprehensive look at the origins, revisions, and ultimate success of this truly sensational and accomplished aircraft - The appropriately titled Super Cub!

The world’s best, Sean D. Tucker, takes us through his gut-wrenching act turn by superhuman turn. Anthony learns the hard way that a flight attendant’s job is more than just serving coffee and peanuts.

We go inside a fully operational aircraft cabin simulator to demonstrate a few safety scenarios in response to some in-flight situations./Kurtis, Sara, and Anthony debate the merits of their favorite fighters.

We join Yves Rossy as he soars through the air with the help of nothing more than a jet-powered wing strapped to his back!/Showcasing several ways in which pilots lend their wings to a charitable cause including Pilots N Paws, Angel Flight West, and Archangel Airborne.

Surprise! Anthony gets an unexpected opportunity to fly a brand new turboprop-driven aircraft./3 jet engines, 48,000 horsepower, and over 350 miles per hour, this land-based vehicle puts competing airplanes to shame!

Tires are one of the most overlooked parts of an aircraft so we highlight the importance of a plane’s rubber./Check out the view of Vancouver Harbour from the tallest air traffic control tower in the world./They say flying is safer than driving. We look at the incredibly tight processes that make that possible.

Air shows are recognized as having great visual appeal. But when we take viewers inside the cockpit during an airshow performance, learning the significance of what’s said or surprisingly NOT said will send your head spinning./Kurtis, Sara, and Anthony wrap up their debate series by discussing their favorite single engine planes.

We fly well above first class in the kind of super elite style experienced by only A-list celebrities, fortune 500 executives, and heads of state./You CAN get there from here, but how? Kurtis explains how pilots figure out which way to point their planes.

If you didn't think there’s much of a difference between flying a helicopter and a fixed wing airplane watch as Anthony puts his training wheels back on for a stab at the chopper./Gene Soucy and Teresa Stokes detail their one-of-a-kind performance.

We take it back to basics when examining the components used to build aircraft engines so that they produce the kind of power needed to make airplanes fly./From fertilizing crops to fighting wildfires, the aerial application aircraft is a highly specialized bear of a bird… not to mention, it looks super cool!

FLS Microjet: This spunky little jet weighs in at a mere 400 pounds! We profile this incredible (and tiny) aircraft and its full-sized pilot. SR-71: SR-71 Pilot Terry Pappas tells us what its like to be one of just 478 people who have flown this stealthy Strategic Reconnaissance aircraft. Sean Tucker: We get to know the man behind the famous red Oracle plane and watch his death-defying aerobatics up close.

Zenith 801: No runway? No problem! We challenge the limits faced in the world of bush flying in this amazing utilitarian aircraft. Legacy Flight: A tribute to our flying heroes, past and present. ILS Testing: The Instrument Landing System (ILS) is a precise system used to help planes land almost blind. We do some extreme flying in a CRJ-200 to test the system.

Float Planes: An introduction to the world of seaplanes. Buying an Aircraft: Ever wondered how to actually buy an airplane? Aircraft Boneyard: With over 4,200 aircraft, sure the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) is a “Boneyard” but it’s also so much more.

Civil Air Patrol: We participate in a search and rescue exercise with CAP members and cadets. AWACS: We take an exclusive inside look at the Air Force's eyes in the skies: the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) E-3 Sentry. B-17 Flying Fortress: Kurtis looks at the historic Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.

Radial Engines: Anthony learns about the one-of a-kind sound and look of radial engines. Aerial Refueling: In-air refueling brings new meaning to the term “close flight” as we profile the KC-135 Stratotanker and its crew.

Cobra: We take you aboard this two-bladed single engine attack helicopter formerly used by the United States Army. Team AeroDynamix: No other air show act in the world puts as many aircraft in the air at one time than Team AeroDynamix. We take you flying with them. A-10 Thunderbolt II: We profile the A-10 Thunderbolt II, the tank-killer more commonly known as the Warthog.

Landings: Takeoffs are optional, but landings are mandatory! Kurtis takes a look at how to land different types of aircraft. Seabee: Is it a boat or is it a plane? It’s both! We show you the exciting world of Seabees. Varied Aviation Training: Short or long runways. Controlled or uncontrolled airports. Desert, mountain, or coastal flying. We look at the various ways and places you can learn to fly.

GlasAir: We go flying in this blazingly fast low-wing, two-seat homebuilt aircraft. Legend Cub: The Cub is an aviators’ favorite and the Legend Cub is today’s most popular American-manufactured light sport aircraft. Terminals: How are airport terminals designed? We check out the form and function of terminals from the design of the arrivals and departures areas to how the gates arranged to park aircraft.

Savannah: We profile this capable and affordable light sport homebuilt aircraft. Huey: A lot of people may recognize this helicopter from the film “Apocalypse Now”, but this bird has a lot more history than just that. Flying Formation: Kurtis expands his warbird flying experience and tries his hand at formation flying.

How to fly an ILS Approach: Kurtis shows you how to land an aircraft when you can't see the ground using only your flight instruments. Airplane Parachutes: Can a parachute strapped to the back of an aircraft really save the lives of it passengers? 777-300ER: We examine the history and showcase the latest variant of the Boeing 777.

F-4U Corsair: The WWII fighter made famous by the legendary Greg “Pappy” Boyington. Aerobatics: Kurtis receives an introduction to Aerobatics. We’ve seen him do a lot this season, but can he master this aviation skill?

Who is the man behind the Voice at some of the largest air shows around the world? Mr. Rob Reider! The Aviators' 210 gets a brand new glass panel cockpit, and Host Kurtis earns his wings in a T-6 Texan like a WW-II recruit!

Where does your bag go once it leaves your hands and heads down a conveyor belt at an aiport? How does it get from one location to the next? Kurtis takes you back in time to see what it was like for young WWII pilots to fly the legendary fighter, the P-51 Mustang.

How do pilots prepare for winter flying? Anthony shows us the different methods to keep yourself and your plane warmed up in those cold winter months. We also take a look inside Boeing's new, exciting, efficient, and luxurious aircraft. Black Diamond Jet Team; Nearly as cool as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, but they're civilian!

Kurtis and Anthony take us night flying. Some say it's more beautiful whiles others think its more dangerous! Wayne Boggs introduces us to his historic PT-19 trainer aircraft. We also give you a behind the scenes look at the U.S. Air Force air demonstration squadron The Thunderbirds, and their F-16s.

Experience an aviation emergency where the calm voice on the other end of the radio helps get our pilots out of trouble. Did you always want to know what it would be like to be a USAF Thunderbird for a day? We follow one our producers as she trains and flies with the USAF Thunderbirds. We take you through the different crew positions of the historic WWII B-29 Bomber, Fifi.

Kurtis experiences oxygen deprivation in the High Altiude Lab at Embry Riddle University. Next, we unlock the cockpit door and show you what goes on inside the areas of a commercial flight that have always remained mysteriously secret.

We profile the USAF and Navy training aircraft from the Vietnam War, the T-28. We celebrate the birth of the U.S. Navy at the home of the Star Spangled Banner. Also, a rising trend in high-end single pilot flying, we look at the technology inside the Eclipse 500.

Just when you think a classic old airliner, a DC-3, might be ready for retirement, it's converted into a modern marvel. Anthony visits the University of North Dakota to learn some of the many other ways to make a living in the world of aviation besides being an airline pilot.

Sara and Anthony run the checklists as we look at all the steps pilots takes on the ground to make sure things go as planned in the air. Anyone can predict the weather, but this team of rugged North Dakota cowboys actually tame Mother Nature and make it! A precision aerobatic team, The Aerostars, fly Yak 52s while performing a captivating aerial show.

We get to know the man who flies a stock 1947 Stearman like no else on the planet, John Mohr. We explore the aircraft that introduces fighter pilots to carrier landings, the T-45 Goshawk. Quiet and peaceful, balloons are mammoth bags of hot air that require unique skills to fly.

A look at what makes this TH-57 interesting during a helicopter walk around. Sara flies the MU-2 and learns why it has such a loyal following of pilots. The Wisconsin Air National Guard adds a jet-powered punch to the end of the national anthem at a Nascar race at Road America.

The world's most advanced stealth fighter jet, the F-22 Raptor, is profiled at Nellis Air Force Base. We look at sport flying, the fastest growing category of aviation. We also hang out with Motley Crue's lead singer Vince Neil as he starts taking flight lessons.

Taking to the skies with former fighter pilots to dogfight other aircraft in air combat. Motley Crue's Vince Neil continues his training as his instructor surprises him by unexpectedly calling for his first landing. The Skytypers are a formation team that besides performing with military precision actually types long-lasting messages in the sky.

Can a kid land an airliner? We travel into a simulator to find out. Kurtis shows us the many important functions of Air Traffic Control Services. Anthony and Raeleen take us to Greenville, SC for an aviation food-run.

A look at one of the most meticulously maintained grass runways, and haven for lovers of aviations and the outdoors at Triple Tree Aerodrome All aboards Fat Albert Airlines, the Blue Angles' incredible USMC C130T. Sara meets Peyton McCool, and takes a spin (literally) in his Soviet-era trainer.

Raeleen goes flying with the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team. Also twenty pilots attend a T33 Silverstar found school, but only one will win a chance to actually fly it. We visit the Joe Nall event, the 'Oshkosh' of Remote Control Flying.

Kurtis explores the varied costs and entry points of flying for everyone from the weekend warrior to the rich and famous. Air Park living is Heavenly when your driveway is a runway. Sara explores single engines versus twins.

Kurtis learns about aircraft power plants from Penn Yan Aeros Bill Middlebrook, whose family has a long and rich history in American aviation. Anthony shows that buying The Aviators' new 210 can be just as simple as buying a used car, and we visit the World's Most Female Friendly Airport.

We visit the annual event of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. The LAPD shows us how the world's largest police fleet helps catch bad guys. Jeff talks to the Red Bull Air Racer, Pete McLeod about life as a high-adrenalin, competitive flyer.

In this episode, we take a look at the Russian Mig 15, we explore the Legacy of the Cessna brand, we take a look at float plane training, we learn How to land an airliner and we profile Aerobatic champion Patty Wagstaff.

In this episode, we take a look at the Airbus A380, we peek inside a Cessna 206 during an annual inspection, we see what happens when a private pilot takes control of an airliner and we get to ride inside the cockpit of the L-39 Delfin.

In this episode, we take a look light-sport aviation, we check out Zaon portable collision avoidance systems, we talk to women in aviation founder Peggy Chabrian and we see if a non pilot can land an airliner!

In this episode, we give you a look inside one of the most advanced air traffic control towers in the world, we check out the Quesnel SkyFest; we walk you through a walk around inspection and we profile TV host John Lovelace.

In this episode, we profile Aerobatic pilot Rick Volker, Kurtis learns a number of techniques for building an aircraft at home, we fly a Cessna caravan into Atlin and we see how backup instruments can save your life!

In this episode, we look inside an en-route air traffic control center, see an air show at the home of the Aviators, check out the original corporate aircraft of the Beech Staggerwing, and learn what the AOPA is doing to protect aviation in America.

In this episode, we take you inside WestJet, we show you what a typical day is like for a Boeing 737 pilot, we tell you all about airliner maintenance and we look at how RNP and winglets can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In this episode, we show you a typical Cross Border flight, we find out all about Robert Gannon's around the world journey, we visit the Sun N' Fun Splashin and we see how a pilot is helping the environment!

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Description

“The Aviators” is an award-winning weekly TV series featuring interesting people, the latest aircraft, the coolest technology and the best fly-in destinations. It’s action, intensity, and adrenalin mixed with education, entertainment, and beauty. The Aviators is for everyone who has ever gazed skyward.

Additional information

In the industry known as "ferry flying," only pilots with nerves of steel need apply. Buckle up with ferry flier entrepreneur Cory Bengtzen and his daring team of cowboy pilots as they deliver secondhand, small planes across distances they were never meant to fly. Their job is to deliver aircrafts, anywhere at anytime. Witness the challenges of this big risk, big reward business, from massive storms and major malfunctions to underdeveloped airports and over-demanding clients.

Harrowing stories of tragedy and triumph are brought to life through official reports, transcripts and interviews with the pilots, air traffic controllers and lucky survivors of history’s most terrify crashes. Widely considered to be the safest form of travel, air transportation is still in its infancy and when midair calamity strikes, the results are often catastrophic. From the cockpit to the cabin, from the control room to the crash scene, we uncover just what went wrong.

AIRPLANE REPO follows repossession experts as they take on the legal, yet extremely challenging, task of repossessing the planes of the nation's wealthiest. Hired by banks, they face numerous obstacles with each new job including violent altercations with owners, the risk of arrest and unknowingly flying a damaged plane.

Profiling pilots who faced insurmountable odds, AIR ACES looks at the most harrowing airborne combat missions ever, many of which were recently declassified. Featuring CGI and real-life aerial reenactments - including the actual historic aircrafts - AIR ACES examines these dynamic dogfights and the pilots who survived them.

Alaska is a unique wilderness marked by extremes. Explore spring, summer and winter in this extreme wilderness and discover the unique species that have learned to thrive in these harsh conditions. Also included is 24 Hours on Earth, a two-part series which examines the animals and plants which have evolved astonishing strategies to exploit key moments in the 24 hour rhythmic cycle of our planet.

Airplanes are the lifeblood of Alaska, transporting supplies and rescuing those in areas where roads don't reach. But they are the most dangerous skies in the country, and bush pilots often go beyond the call of duty to get the job done.

The Flightline is a fast-moving aviation TV show that brings the viewer into the cockpits of some of the world's greatest aircraft. This Emmy nominated show uses the latest technology HD cameras and accesses the top air show acts, leading edge aircraft, historically significant planes, and their pilots to pack visual thrills along with great stories into every episode. The Flightline is hosted by Mark DeJoy, an award-winning producer, who is joined by Paul Jackson, a 20,000 plus hour pilot with jet, warbird, aerobatics, and float plane experience. Come along as Paul and Mark take you along for the ride of a lifetime.